The Top places to visit in Malaysia

By Nur Hanisah Rosli

Malaysia is one of the major tourist destinations in the world. Over the years, Malaysia has become a tourism hotspot for both Malaysians and even foreigners. The tourism industry has a lot of great potentials and could be used as a source of lucrative new economy. Thus, many large companies that grow or Government agencies are actively implementing efforts to attract tourists visiting Malaysia. Malaysia, in Southeast Asia, is an extraordinary mix of history and modernization and is an awesome visitor spot. If countries were awarded for diversity, Malaysia would top first place. Not only is Malaysia a melting pot of ethnic cultures, but it is also a blend of many different customs, cuisines, and religions all coexisting peacefully together which is a social mix of Malay, Chinese, Indian and indigenous traditions and legacies. From large island groups to mountains, fertile highlands and tropical rainforest, the country’s geography are every bit as diverse. The name Malaysia just brings pictures of Kuala Lumpur, but there are even more great places that we should visit in Malaysia. Let’s have a look.

1.   Penang

Malaysians are proud of their big island on the west coast. Penang is a Malaysian state situated on the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia, by the Malacca Strait. It has two sections which is Penang Island, where the capital city, George Town, is located, and Seberang Perai (in the past Province Wellesley) on the Malay Peninsula. Penang is bordered by Kedah toward the north and the east, and Perak toward the south. The colonial city of Georgetown was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has a lot to offer in way of museums, a fort, historic homes, and most importantly, its food. George Town is the capital city of Penang, an island state with the biggest Chinese population in Malaysia. George Town’s multicultural past is especially enshrined in the city’s rich and eclectic architecture, filled with enchanting, historical buildings, mostly situated in the oldest part of the town. Elsewhere skyscrapers rise high above the city. Tourists can visit many places of interest in Penang that are suitable for a family vacation, honeymoons or backpackers. Penang is known for its rich legacy and architecture, its dynamic multicultural society, an extensive variety of current entertainments and retail decisions, regular elements, for example, beaches and hills.

The places that should be visited in Penang is Penang Hills.

Amazing as it may sound. The cooling environment in the hot and humid weather of Penang. Penang Hill or affectingly known by locals as "Bukit Bendera", is one of the only cool places to visit in Penang. A hill with an elevation of about 833 m (2723 ft) has proved that it is one of the main attractions not only to the foreigner but also locals. The cooling and serenity of the hill especially when you are at the peak will provide a much needed calm and relaxation from the hot and bustling stress by the city of George Town. With the temperature ranging from 20 to 25 degree Celsius, it is going to be a place to relax, remember and rejuvenate. Depending on the time that is available, you can either go up the hills by foot or by using a famous Swiss made funicular train. Of course, if you were to take a more relaxing train to the hilltop, you are going to miss on what nature has to offer such as a mist covered valley, giant bamboo trees, crystal cool pond, farm, wild dogs, birds and of course various species of plants.

The funicular train leaves every 20 to 25 minutes at a cost of RM10 for adult, but for a foreigner is RM30 per person. The ticket price is different based on category. For further information, you can search in http://www.penanghill.gov.my. You can buy your ticket at the ticket counter and after you do that, take some time to visit the gallery that is located behind the ticketing counter. The gallery showcase some of the old Penang Hills history which includes photos and antique items. 

Jungle trekking remains one of the popular activities in Penang Hills. Various attempts were made to climb up the hill by local, foreigner and also hiking enthusiast. Some of the popular trekking routes will be from botanical gardens, Hye Keat Estate in Air Itam and the most vigorous trail of Tiger Hill. 

Some of the activities that are available at The Penang Hills are a follows:

• Visiting a bird sanctuary at the Bellevue Hotel grounds
• Tour Malaysia’s contribution to the world’s legacy of love as you stands 823 meters above sea level on the observation deck of the Bukit Bendera. Aptly launched on Valentine’s Day of 2014, the lover’s promenade hosts the promises of eternity for couples who seal their affection with creatively-decorated padlocks. There's no place more suited to profess your love than at Love Lock Penang Hill.
• Canopy Walk, which is a suspension bridge hanging over the treetops. There is no entrance charge and it is opened seven days a week. You need to walk up the hill if you want to see it.
• Mouth-watering delicacies from the Bellevue hotel that is located on the hilltop. The price is rather competitive. It also provides room in case you'll like to stay for a night.
• Visiting an Indian Temple and Mosque which is built side by side with no racial conflict and tension.
• You will also get to see the panoramic view of George Town, Tanjung Bungah, and the mainland.
• Lastly, visiting souvenir shop at the ground

With so many things to see, to feel, to experience and to look for, no wonder people keeps coming back to this hills. Just experience for yourself and you'll agree with me that Penang Hills is definitely one of the places in Penang worth visiting.

The places that should be visited in Penang is Batu Feringghi

Batu Ferringhi is a suburb of George Town in Penang, Malaysia. Located along the northern coast of Penang Island, it is the prime beach destination in Penang among locals and tourists. To cater to the influx of tourists, several major high-rise hotels have been established along the 4km stretch of beaches, including the Hard Rock Hotel. The beach resorts along Batu Ferringhi also offer various water sports activities, such as parasailing. On a clear day, one could get a picturesque view of the Andaman Sea and Mount Jerai, which is located within the neighboring state of Kedah. In addition, Batu Ferringhi is famous for its night market that offers a wide variety of merchandise and street food. It's night market is quite legendary. Watch local artisans demonstrate the intricate art of craft-making and batik- painting. Dubbed the Feringghi Walk, the bazaar offers shoppers a host of attractions. Batu Feringghi's atmosphere and feel can be likened to Patong Beach in Phuket, minus the pole dancers of course! There's a wide range of accommodation available that will suit even the tightest budgets.

2.   Langkawi

The places that should be visited in Langkawi

Langkawi Cable Car and the Langkawi Sky Bridge (Pantai Kok, near Burau Bay). This is an awesome ride on a cable car that has the steepest gradient in the world and takes you to the summit of Mount Mat Cincang over a distance of about 2.1kms. You get breath taking views of the Andaman Sea below along with the scattered islands of Langkawi and the towering peaks. There are two cable car stations with viewing platforms and walking trails. The Sky Bridge is another engineering marvel. It's a curved suspension bridge high up in the sky that links the cable car top station with a nearby mountain. If you have the spirit of adventure, take the long flight of steps to reach the bridge, walk over it and appreciate the magical creatures as you watch the views all around. You will feel you are on top of the world.

The places that should be visited in Langkawi

Pulau Dayang Bunting & Lake of the Pregnant Maiden (Dayang Bunting Island). There is a wonderful fresh water lake locate at the Dayang Bunting Island which is steeped with legend and surrounded by hills and rainforest in a picturesque setting. The lake is great for swimming and the forests excellent for bird watchers. The island is located offshore in the south of main Langkawi Island and can be easily reached by boat. There are plenty of boat tours operating out of Pantai Tengah that can drop you to this lovely spot. 

3.   Melaka

The places that should be visited in Melaka

 A Famosa (Portuguese for ‘The Famous’) is a historical fortress in Malacca, the capital city of the Malaysian Malacca state. Built in the early 1500s and continually expanded over the course of that century, the four-towered fortress is now a ruin, with only the entrance gatehouse to see. Still, A Famosa will spark the interest of the curious and history savvy as an emblematic symbol of the city’s past. The fortress, built by the Portuguese, later fell into the hands of the Dutch and the British, thus becoming a possession of all the Europeans who colonized the city. Malacca City also offers other interesting sights, such as the Stadthuys, the 17th-century residence of the Dutch governor, and Jonker Street, popular for its many shops and restaurants.

Taming Sari

One of the unique attractions in Malacca is the Menara Taming Sari. It is the only revolving tower in Malaysia. It measures 110 meters in height and its revolving tower offers a wide and far landscape scene overlooking Malacca city. Menara Taming Sari is located nearby Bandar Hilir at Jalan Merdeka. If you happen to be at Dataran Pahlawan Megamall and Mahkota Parade Mall it is just a short 3 minutes’ walk away. The tower’s name is taken after a famous keris, which is a magical weapon belonging to legendary Malay Admiral named Hang Tuah. The design of the structure of the tower takes on the shape of the weapon, while the highest point of the tower resembles its hilt. The tower can carry up to 66 people per session which will revolve as it ascends from the ground level till the highest level of the tower. The whole session takes about 7 minutes. It is recommended to have a ride as you can see the magnificent landscape of Malacca city, including the historical sites, such as Independence Memorial Building, Flor De La Mar Ship, St.Paul’s Hill, Samudera Museum and the beautiful blue Straits of Malacca.

4.   Cameron Highland

 Sitting 1500 meters above sea level, the Cameron Highlands is an extensive hill station named after William Cameron, the British surveyor who stumbled upon the soft, curvy sides of these picturesque green hills in 1885. The area hosts the largest tea plantations in Malaysia, which gives it the characteristic, fuzzy appearance that attracts so many tourists here. Many also visit the hills and trek down the trails. But the Cameron Highlands’ beauty and popularity are also due to its climate. With temperatures rarely dropping below 10°C or rising above 21°C, this is the coolest region of Malaysia and a wonderful break from the tropical Malaysian climate.

5.   Perhentian Islands

Sea lovers planning to visit Malaysia should put the Perhentian Islands on the top of their list of places to see. This is a small group of islands with two main islands which are Besar, the bigger island, and Kecil, the smaller island. Both boast splendid beaches, white sand, an amazingly blue, shallow sea and the shadows of tall palm trees. Apart from tourists, the islands are mostly uninhabited, making them a perfect place to disconnect and take a break from modern life. The Perhentian Islands are especially recommended to those who enjoy the sea not just for a swim, but also for water activities such as canoeing (both islands can be circumnavigated in a day), scuba diving and snorkeling. The islands are fringed by a coral reef, and the underwater life is rich with sea turtles and many species of tropical fish.